Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said the Centre must immediately implement the 33% women’s reservation, but the issue of delimitation should be put on hold. Thackeray said redrawing of constituencies was an important issue concerning broader national unity, so more discussion and deliberation is needed on it. This is an important matter for broader national unity, he said. “There is currently a political uproar regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill. Shiv Sena’s (UBT) position is clear. The Women’s Reservation Bill was already passed in Parliament in 2023. Accordingly, implement the 33% women’s reservation immediately! A temporary break/pause must be applied to the delimitation (reorganisation of electoral constituencies) issue. This is an important matter for broader national unity. For us, this is not about any one party’s political future but about the future of the country. Therefore, more discussion and deliberation on it is necessary!,” Thackeray said in a statement. Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut slammed the Centre’s proposed move on women’s reservation, saying the govt should “change the name of ‘Mahila Nari Shakti’ (women’s reservation bill) and introduce the ‘BJP Shakti Bill’, this is the BJP Shakti Bill,” alleging political motives behind the exercise.Addressing the media ahead of the special Parliament sitting on Thursday, Raut questioned the need to increase the number of seats in the Parliament and state assemblies.“You will increase approximately 800 seats in the Lok Sabha and 400 seats in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. What is the need? If you want to give 33% reservation to women, then give it based on the current number of 543… We accept it. BJP is attempting to redraw constituencies to suit its political interests. If you want to increase the numbers, do delimitation according to your wishes, and play politics according to your wishes, then change the name of ‘Mahila Nari Shakti’ (Women’s Reservation Bill) and introduce the ‘BJP Shakti Bill’. This is the BJP Shakti Bill,” Raut added.Raut also raised questions over the govt’s numbers in Parliament. “Without 286 to 264 votes, this bill won’t pass in the govt. At this moment, the govt is at 292. At the most, it can reach 300. No one should be under the delusion that this bill will pass easily,” he said, warning opposition unity would play a key role.Referring to past legislative precedents, he said, “During the three farm laws, many parties walked out, which helped the govt. This time, those who help the govt will be enemies of the country.”Raut reiterated that the opposition, including the Shiv Sena (UBT) under Uddhav Thackeray, does not oppose women’s reservation. “This bill was already approved in 2023; we supported it then as well. Our opposition is to the arbitrary actions of the BJP under the guise of delimitation,” Raut said.
